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problem syncing

• Edit

peter

27 Apr, 2019 07:05 AM

I run Moneydance on a pc, and android app
All the accounts on the phone sync except one, where the balance is different
Have tried both settings, show forward transactions and not, but the balance is still out of sync, one just one out of 20+ accounts

Can anyone help

1. 1 Posted by derekkent23 on 27 Apr, 2019 09:19 AM

   

   I am not support staff, just a user.

   The first thing I would try is under settings disconnect and then reconnect.
   If this does not help post.
   Are you only syncing one PC and a phone?
   The sync method set on PC.
   What Moneydance version build is your PC running 2019.3(1870)

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2. 2 Posted by peter on 27 Apr, 2019 09:22 AM

   

   Hi

   I'm running 2017.8 (1691)
   at the moment running on one pc, and sync to phone

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3. 3 Posted by derekkent23 on 27 Apr, 2019 09:29 AM

   

   I am not support staff, just a user.

   OK and sync method set on PC, FILE - SYNCING?
   Did on your phone under settings disconnect and then reconnect help?

   I would also suggest updating to 2017.10(1706) for free from https://infinitekind.com/download_2017

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4. 4 Posted by peter on 27 Apr, 2019 09:53 AM

   

   Hi Derek

   I need to try it a bit later on and be careful when un syncing

   I am running moneydance on one PC, but originally wanted it on 2 pcs, both to sync, and of course the phone app
   But the second PC, never synced correctly, so I uninstalled the software, and re installed it, and tried to sync to the dropbox a/c .... but every time I do that, it seems to sync to old data, and when I look at Dropbox, there are multiple files on there
   So now Im nervous to unsync the phone, as I have the main version of moneybox at my office pc with accurate data, my phone with accurate data except one account
   And the second pc that I would like to sync that keeps bringing in old version of the data

   Thus my nervousness to unsync the phone until I work out whats happening with the dropbox sync, or why my home pc keeps bringing in old data, there must be a file on the pc that it refers to

   Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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5. 5 Posted by derekkent23 on 27 Apr, 2019 12:06 PM

   

   I am not support staff, just a user.

   The best way to set up syncing between two computers and a phone is to start by resetting syncing.

   You did not answer my question which sync method are you using, that is Dropbox Folder or Dropbox connection. I will assume Dropbox Folder as this is the better method.
   1. On your mobile devices use there setting menu to disconnect.
   2. Set primary computer “Sync Method” to “Don’t Sync” under FILE – SYNCING, then click OK.
   3. On your primary computer use FILE – EXPORT BACKUP to save a backup in case something goes wrong.
   4. On your second computer install Moneydance 2017.10(1706) same build as your primary computer assuming by now you have updated your primary computer. Don’t open Moneydance on your second computer.
   5. Using your primary computer in the Dropbox folder delete the folder “.moneydancesync”. Watch the Dropbox icon and wait till it states “Up to Date”. This can talk some time.
   6. In your second computer check that in the Dropbox folder that the folder “.moneydancesync” has been automatically deleted. You need to give Dropbox a short time to complete this deletion.
   7. On your primary computer under FILE - SYNCING, set your “Encryption Passphrase”, set “Sync Method” to “Dropbox Folder”, click OK.
   8. Wait for Dropbox folder “.moneydancesync” and its contents to be created. Check the Dropbox icon states “Up to Date”. This can take some time.
   9. Wait until the same Dropbox folder appears on your second computer, again watch the Dropbox icon this time on your second computer and wait till it states “Up to Date”.
   10. On your second computer starting Moneydance should open it in the welcome window, click on “Create a new account set”.
   11. Select “Open Synced File” and use dropdown to select “Dropbox Folder” then click NEXT.
   12. You should see a search screen headed “Select a synced document to open”
   13. After a short search delay, it should then list your un-synced data set name used on your primary computer.
   14. Highlight your data set name and click NEXT.
   15. Enter the encryption password, the “Encryption Passphrase” you set on your primary computer under FILE – SYNCING.
   16. Then click on FINISH. Wait for your data to be synced.
   You may find a lot of old, maybe closed accounts or other accounts you have removed from the side bar reappearing in the second computers side bar. Use the “+” sign at bottom of side bar then ADVANCED to tidy up the side bar.
   17. Then sync your phone in the normal way.

   Hope this helps.

   • Edit

6. 6 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 10:00 AM

   

   Hi Derek
   Appologies, my sync is by dropbox connection
   and also will need to upgrade on main pc to latest version

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7. 7 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 02:42 PM

   

   I am not support staff, just a user.

   I would recommend using the Sync Method Dropbox Folder.

   With Dropbox Connection Moneydance uses the Dropbox API to talk to the Dropbox service directly. So, you don't need to have Dropbox client actually installed on your computer, but you do need to be online when Moneydance is running in order for changes to be synced. With Drobox Folder Moneydance will just read and write files to your Dropbox folder on your computer, which means that you need to have Dropbox client installed and running, but you don't need to be online in order for Moneydance to read and write the changes. Syncing will occur when you go online.

   Hope this helps

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8. 8 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 02:48 PM

   

   Thanks Derek

   I need to start again with this, and follow your instructions, as the 2nd
   PC was clearly syncing the wrong file, so I am going to uninstall it

   and the main PC, I dont have the option to stop the sync, have asked
   moneydance why, as when I go file, sync as you helpfully suggested, there
   are no options other than see password
   There is not a stop sync option, which is what I was looking for

   Kind regards and thank you for being so helpful

   Peter

   • Edit

9. 9 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 03:24 PM

   

   I am not support staff, just a user.

   When you set up syncing on the first computer this is the primary computer, synced under FILES – SYNCING. Any other computers you sync to the primary computer using FILE – NEW – OPEN SYNCED FILE are secondary computers.
   You can set the primary computer to don’t sync or even change the syncing method. Any secondary computer the syncing method is fixed, grey out and cannot be change, you can’t set it to don’t sync.

   I am concerned you are going to delete your primary data set.
   Your primary data and secondary data set are not the same and not interchangeable.
   If you have deleted your primary data set there is a way to convert a secondary data set to a primary data set. If you need to convert just post.

   When you talk about “uninstalling it”, if you are talking about uninstalling Moneydance then reinstalling this will not change anything. Your data set is not deleted when you uninstall Moneydance.

   Hope is helps

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10. 10 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 05:40 PM

    

    Hi Derek

    Yes what I thought was set up as the primary, is infact the secondary, its
    just that I have not been using the primary, as I always thought something
    was wrong with it

    Guess I have 2 options

    Take the backup that I have done today, and import that into what is
    actually the primary machine, presume that will work

    Or Moneydance sent me a python script to change the secondary to the
    primary, but the issue with that is the instructions they gave is wrong so
    I have queried it

    Kind regards

    Peter

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11. 11 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 05:53 PM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user.

    Restoring a backup from a secondary computer will just give you a secondary data set even if you do it on the primary computer, It will not fix the issue.

    Reading back through the post I think you are running 2017, so the following applies to 2017.
    If you are actually running 2019 post again.

    Create a backup using the FILE - EXPORT BACKUP.
    To use the file md2017_convert_secondary_to_master.py, first download it to your computer and then follow these steps:

    1. In Moneydance, select Window --> Python Scripting.
       
    2. In the window that opens, select 'Open Script' then navigate to the .py file wherever you saved it on your system.
       
    3. Select 'Run' to execute the file.
       
    4. Wait a few moments until you see a message on screen, confirming the script has run successfully.
       
    5. Close Moneydance and then reopen it.

    You should now be able to change the syncing method and be good to go.

    Hope this helps.

    • md2017_convert_secondary_to_master.py 448 Bytes
    • Edit

12. 12 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 05:56 PM

    

    Hi

    I upgraded to 2019.2 (1868) as you suggested on the secondary, and am doing
    the same on primary

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13. 13 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 06:05 PM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user

    To convert a secondary data set to a primary data set when running 2019 you need to run the same script. md2017_convert_secondary_to_master.py Don’t worry it states 2017.
    With your data set open click WINDOW - SHOW MONEYBOT CONSOLE use OPEN SCRIPT to select the script and click RUN. Close and reopen Moneydance.
    You should now find you can change the sync method under FILE – SYNCING.

    The lastest build of 2019 can be found at https://infinitekind.com/preview
    it fixes some issues with 2019.2(1868).

    Hope this helps.

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14. 14 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 06:22 PM

    

    Hi Derek

    OK so the script ran fine, my secondary now hopefully the primary, as it
    has the back up options

    May I just pick your brains hopefully one last time

    The machine that has the software on, and was the primary, what do I do
    with that now,

    And on my primary machine, what setting do you suggest on Dropbox, so I can
    sync both machines and then my phone

    By the way, your a life saver

    Best

    Peter

    • Edit

15. 15 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 06:32 PM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user

    If you are happy that the computer that you have run the script on becomes your primary computer then think of the other computer as a secondary computer and follow my post 5.
    If you want to swap computers post again.
    I would recommend Dropbox Folder as the syncing method.

    Hope this helps.

    • Edit

16. 16 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 06:55 PM

    

    post 5 in as below

    5. Using your primary computer in the Dropbox folder delete the folder
    “.moneydancesync”. Watch the Dropbox icon and wait till it states “Up to
    Date”. This can talk some time.
    6. In your second computer check that in the Dropbox folder that the folder
    “.moneydancesync” has been automatically deleted. You need to give Dropbox
    a short time to complete this deletion.
    7. On your primary computer under FILE - SYNCING, set your “Encryption
    Passphrase”, set “Sync Method” to “Dropbox Folder”, click OK.
    8. Wait for Dropbox folder “.moneydancesync” and its contents to be
    created. Check the Dropbox icon states “Up to Date”. This can take some
    time.
    9. Wait until the same Dropbox folder appears on your second computer,
    again watch the Dropbox icon this time on your second computer and wait
    till it states “Up to Date”.
    10. On your second computer starting Moneydance should open it in the
    welcome window, click on “Create a new account set”.
    11. Select “Open Synced File” and use dropdown to select “Dropbox Folder”
    then click NEXT.
    12. You should see a search screen headed “Select a synced document to open”
    13. After a short search delay, it should then list your un-synced data set
    name used on your primary computer.
    14. Highlight your data set name and click NEXT.
    15. Enter the encryption password, the “Encryption Passphrase” you set on
    your primary computer under FILE – SYNCING.
    16. Then click on FINISH. Wait for your data to be synced.
    You may find a lot of old, maybe closed accounts or other accounts you have
    removed from the side bar reappearing in the second computers side bar. Use
    the “+” sign at bottom of side bar then ADVANCED to tidy up the side bar.
    17. Then sync your phone in the normal way.

    • Edit

17. 17 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 06:59 PM

    

    But im not using drop box folder
    It was set up as drop box sync

    So best I undo that ?

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

    • Edit

18. 18 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 07:09 PM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user

    There is no such syncing method as "drop box sync"
    Under FILE - SYNCING on your now primary computer the dropdown allows three syncing methods
    Dropbox Folder. (assuming you have Dropbox client installed at the standard location)
    Dropbox Connection
    Shared Folder
    I recommend Dropbox Folder as the syncing method.

    Hope this helps

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19. 19 Posted by peter on 29 Apr, 2019 07:13 PM

    

    Sorry, it was on drop box connection

    Do I just ignore that and go on primary and start again under drop box folder

    Or do I need to delete any of the drop box sync files in dropbox first

    Regards

    Peter

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

    • Edit

20. 20 Posted by derekkent23 on 29 Apr, 2019 07:30 PM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user.

    In the following your primary computer is the computer you ran the script on.
    You need to have Dropbox client installed on both computers. That is you can see a Dropbox folder at C:\Users\user name\

    1. On your mobile device use the setting menu to disconnect.
       
    2. Set primary computer “Sync Method” to “Don’t Sync” under FILE – SYNCING, then click OK.
       
    3. On your primary computer use FILE – EXPORT BACKUP to save a backup in case something goes wrong.
       
    4. On your second computer click on HELP – SHOW DOCUMENT FOLDER to open a file explorer, close Moneydance and delete your data sets “yourdatasetname.moneydance”.
       
    5. Using your primary computer in the Dropbox folder delete the folder “.moneydancesync”. Watch the Dropbox icon and wait till it states “Up to Date”. This can talk some time.
       
    6. In your second computer check that in the Dropbox folder that the folder “.moneydancesync” has been automatically deleted. You need to give Dropbox a short time to complete this deletion.
       
    7. On your primary computer under FILE - SYNCING, set your “Encryption Passphrase”, set “Sync Method” to “Dropbox Folder”, click OK.
       
    8. Wait for Dropbox folder “.moneydancesync” and its contents to be created. Check the Dropbox icon states “Up to Date”. This can take some time.
       
    9. Wait until the same Dropbox folder appears on your second computer, again watch the Dropbox icon this time on your second computer and wait till it states “Up to Date”.
       
    10. On your second computer starting Moneydance should open it in the welcome window, click on “Create a new account set”.
        
    11. Select “Open Synced File” and use dropdown to select “Dropbox Folder” then click NEXT.
        
    12. You should see a search screen headed “Select a synced document to open”
        
    13. After a short search delay, it should then list your un-synced data set name used on your primary computer.
        
    14. Highlight your data set name and click NEXT.
        
    15. Enter the encryption password, the “Encryption Passphrase” you set on your primary computer under FILE – SYNCING.
        
    16. Then click on FINISH. Wait for your data to be synced.
        You may find a lot of old, maybe closed accounts or other accounts you have removed from the side bar reappearing in the second computers side bar. Use the “+” sign at bottom of side bar then ADVANCED to tidy up the side bar.
        
    17. Then sync your phone in the normal way.

    Hope this helps.

    • Edit

21. 21 Posted by peter on 30 Apr, 2019 06:16 AM

    

    Hi

    I will run all the below later tonight, as have to be at the old primary computer as from there I can access both

    I have the full back ups, and I have been using the secondary computer only for many months and the data is fine on there, its only when I tried to open Moneydance on what was the primary, that it seemed to screw up the data

    If I run the below and ever wanted to reverse the situation, make my home PC the primary later on, will there be a way to do that later on ?
    The way we are about to set this up now, having run the script is I have made the office pc the primary, but if I ever leave that office, will it be possible to in effect swap which pc is the primary, keeping all the data of course

    Thanks and regards

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

    • Edit

22. 22 Posted by derekkent23 on 30 Apr, 2019 07:14 AM

    

    I am not support staff, just a user.

    In the future one way to swap computers is as follows. Make an EXPORT BACKUP on the primary computer.

    1. On your primary computer under FILE – SYNCING set don’t sync.
       
    2. Disconnect your phone from syncing.
       
    3. On the Primary computer click HELP – SHOW DOCUMENT FOLDER close Moneydance. Move not copy your data set folder and all its contents to say a memory stick.
       
    4. On your second computer click HELP – SHOW DOCUMENT FOLDER close Moneydance and delete the data set.
       
    5. Open Moneydance on your second computer into the welcome window. Click Create a new account set to set up an account called Dummy.
       
    6. On your second computer click HELP – SHOW DOCUMENT FOLDER close Moneydance and paste your data set into this location.
       
    7. Open your second computer and click FILE – OPEN your data set should be listed, open it.
       
    8. On your second computer click HELP – SHOW DOCUMENT FOLDER close Moneydance and delete the data set called Dummy.
       
    9. On the Primary computer deleted the “.moneydancesync” folder from Dropbox, wait till it is deleted on you second computer.

    You have swapped computers and are ready to start syncing.

    Hope this helps

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23. System closed this discussion on 30 Jul, 2019 07:20 AM.